What to look for

While there is (currently) no high street name which majors in voluntary sector banking, there are some ‘deposit takers’ which do. Some of the ‘second rung’ bankers have specialist charity staff actually dealing with banking matters, rather than just marketing.

Many members and even trustees of voluntary organisations make sweeping assumptions on the terms you can get for banking. While the smaller community group or charity may well be able to get ‘free’ banking, this is by no means automatic. ‘Free’ may mean you also don’t get much interest paid on any spare cash you may have on deposit – if this happens often you may be better off paying (low) charges and getting proper interest rates. Charging structures have got more flexible recently, and may be based on a fixed fee, cost per transaction or sometimes a mixture. It is worth assessing what types of transaction you process most (e.g. volume of small cheque receipts as opposed to large direct credits such as grants) as this can make a large impact on which bank is the best for you.

Branches nowadays often don’t talk with ‘small business’ customers direct, but refer them to regional managers. Don’t expect these people, even with their narrower focus, to have any understanding of voluntary sector needs. We frequently have ‘oddities’ to deal with – some one-off foreign exchange visit or sudden need for loads of cash for an event – and developing a relationship and educating your manager can pay dividends in smoothing out the problems.

Deposit takers aren’t full banks – no or limited cheque facilities – but can help you maximise the return on spare cash, if you have the time and ability to manage transfers (to ensure your bank cash-flow doesn’t get you into trouble).

Current Account providers

Barclays Bank Charities Team concentrated on large organisations like NSPCC to start with, but presumably have now spread outwards.

Bank of ScotlandTreasurers account for non-profit making organisations with a turnover below £50,000.

CAF Bank, part of a charity itself, offers high interest current accounts and easy access deposit accounts, CAF Cash and CAF Gold. Higher interest rates than standard on minimum deposits of £1,000, accounts operated by phone, post and online. Also operate longer term investment options such as the CAF Equity Growth Fund. Phone 0870 264 3296.

Cater Allen BankPart of Santander, has a range of accounts for clubs, associations, charities.

Co-op Bank has the Community directplus account for community organisations, charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. See their Community Banking pages. Their ethical policy may well be attractive alongside no charges for standard banking facilities plus post, phone and internet access. Charities Tam phone 020 7977 2121.

NatWest Search for Community Account (under Business) for the smaller voluntary group – free banking for turnover below £100,000 a year.

Triodos Bank Known for their ethical stance, they also have Charity Cheque and Reserve Accounts, and a Social Venture Current Account. Phone 0800 328 2181, email: mail@triodos.co.uk

Unity Trust A specialist bank for voluntary, membership and credit union organisations, as well as the trade unions involved in setting it up, with the help of Co-op Bank. Did have a ‘Rent to Buy’ scheme enabling charity and voluntary organisations to acquire their premises – may have ended. It also sponsors various charity finance and management courses and events. Nine Brindley Place, 4 Oozells Square, Birmingham, B1 2HB, phone 0845 140 1000.

Facilities

Direct Debit and Direct Credit (paying suppliers electronically) facilities are offered by most banks, but organisations need good accounting systems and adequate financial controls to be able to sign up. Check out BACS website for some basic info (the jointly owned automated clearing system house).

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